November end-of-the-year fatigue

You are not alone when it comes to end-of-the-year tiredness. When I recently searched “end of the year fatigue” on Google, 72 300 results came up!

But why do we get tired this time of the year and start counting the days to the December holidays?

Most people start a new year with a big bang, and lots of dreams and hopes. How often to you receive the New Year’s wishes “May this be your best year ever?”

But as soon as you step back onto the treadmill, your days become weeks and your weeks become months and your months turn into different seasons, and you realise this is just another year.

Most people I know live life with vigor and strive to be as successful and active as possible. From the full-time mom to the CEO, your days are packed with activities and service to your family, community, business and even country or the world. Even kids are commenting these days how time flies. I often hear adults and children say, “There is so much to do and too little time”.

It is thus no wonder by the 11th month of the year and with the anticipation of a great family holiday, many become aware of their tiredness and stress levels. This time of the year is also called the “silly season” with all year-end parties, school concerts, deadlines to be met and goals to be achieved.

You cannot deny your fatigue. You feel it in the sluggish way you are getting out of bed in the mornings and how often you fall asleep in front of the TV or with the book you’re reading, on your chest. You also cannot fast forward time to your holiday, so you will be better off learning how to deal with your fatigue differently. Here’s how:

Stop talking about how tired you are.

The more you tell yourself and others how tired and stressed you are, the more tired and stressed you will feel. It becomes like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Get enough sleep.

Do you know research has proven adults need 7-8 hours of sleep and kids 9-11 hours? Don’t fall asleep in front of the TV. Sleep in your bed, with drawn curtains, and remove electronic devices from you room.

Move your body.

The more you move your body, the more energised you will feel. You don’t have to start training for the Comrades or Cape Epic; you just need to move your body. Walking, dancing, stretching, yoga; in fact do the movement you like best and do it for at least 20-30 minutes.

See how your tiredness is serving you.

What would the pain have been if you felt as energised and rejuvenated as you usually feel in January? Can you see you are counting down to the end of a year?

If you feel disappointed and despondent in what you have done with your 2017, choose to do 2018 differently. Invest in yourself by booking a personal leadership package.